-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The retirements are coming thick and fast out of Old Trafford , with Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand the latest to call time -- on his international career .

The 34-year-old 's retirement follows the farce that ensued in March when he was recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro , only for Ferdinand to quickly withdraw due to his `` pre-planned fitness program '' with his club .

In a statement released by the English Football Association , Ferdinand explained that he wanted to retire from international football to `` concentrate on my club career . ''

`` After a great deal of thought , I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football , '' added Ferdinand , who has not played for England since a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011 .

`` The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young , talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future .

`` I regard it as a great honor and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards .

`` I have always been very proud to play for England . I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments .

`` A big thank you to all the fans , managers , coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside - the journey has been incredible . ''

In October , Hodgson was forced to apologize to Ferdinand after an English newspaper reported he had told fellow commuters during a tube journey on London 's underground that the Manchester United defender 's international career was over .

Ferdinand had been controversially left out of England 's squad for Euro 2012 despite the United defender expressing his desire to add to his 81 international caps .

After leaving Ferdinand out of his Euro 2012 squad , Hodgson opted to take Chelsea captain John Terry , though the defender had been due in court to face allegations he racially abused Rio 's brother , Anton Ferdinand .

Hodgson insisted it was purely a football decision and Terry was cleared in July . But he was banned for four matches on the same charge by the FA and announced his retirement from international football .

After making his debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 , Ferdinand went on to win 81 caps for England , playing in three World Cups .

`` It 's important to pay tribute to someone of Rio 's stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level , '' said Hodgson

`` To have captained his country , to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those , marks him out amongst a very special group of players .

`` I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision , which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point . ''

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand retires from international football

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Ferdinand won 81 caps for England

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The 34-year-old defender made debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997

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Ferdinand last played for England in June 2011